Austin FC vs. Real Salt Lake: What We’re Watching

As Austin FC rolls into town it is time to check in on some things to watch in the match. Real Salt Lake hasn’t won in 3 weeks, and right now we sit a 5-6-6, which most likely won’t get us into the playoffs, unless our new player start to mesh and we get the most out of our talent. To be honest, are we a playoff team? Yes. Do we have the talent? Yes. Do we see touches of that? Yes. Can we turn things around and start getting some consistency? Maybe. So, what are we watching?

DEFENSE

Yep, here it is again. Now, don’t get me wrong, there have been some amazing individual efforts. There have been times over the last few matches that players have really stepped up. There seems to be something missing between the midfield and the center backs. I have high hopes that this will start to mesh and we will see some more positive play today against Austin. We will not have Glad in the middle, as he got another yellow...so, there is that. Will the middle pairing be able to step up from last week? I hope so!

SUBSTITUTIONS

There have been some changes here and there in the substitution pattern this season, and certainly there are some things that we have seen Freddy Juarez change, however, do we truly use our depth if we do not use our substitutions each match? Do fresh legs matter? If they bring in the right people at the right time, do they make a difference in the match? Sometimes yes this season, and sometimes no. So, will we use all 5? Will they be impactful? Something to watch!

AIR QUALITY

Right? Since we have been breathing the worst air in the world for a week, will Austin FC come in and struggle? We can hope...but seriously, the poor air quality coupled with the elevation may work in our favor. It sure would be miserable for the players to play with the air quality, and luckily this morning I could see mountains...so maybe this will not be a factor. Something to pay attention to as we go into the match.

Injury report

Out: Zack Farnsworth, Andrew Brody, Jeizon Ramirez, and David Ochoa

MATCH INFORMATION

• DATE: Saturday, Aug. 14
• KICKOFF: 8 p.m Mountain Daylight
• LOCATION: Rio Tinto Stadium; Sandy, Utah
• FORECAST: Sunny, 85 degrees
• REFEREE: DAVE GANTAR
• ASST. REFEREES: ANDREW BIGELOW, COREY ROCKWELL 4TH OFFICIAL: ALYSSA NICHOLS VAR: VICTOR RIVAS
• TV: KMYU
• STREAMING: KSL TV APP
• ENGLISH RADIO: ESPN700
• SPANISH TV: —
• SPANISH RADIO: KBMG Latino 106.3; La Gran D 102.3 FM; KTUB 1600 AM